DRC customary chiefs pledge to abolish degrading practices against women

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, efforts are underway to address harmful traditional practices and social pressures affecting women and newly married couples.

In Kasaï-Central, customary chiefs have committed to abolishing practices deemed degrading to women. During a community exchange organized by First Lady Denise Nyakeru, leaders agreed to ban early marriages, sororate, and levirate. They also pledged to end punitive sanctions for adultery, such as public shaming, which have historically traumatized survivors of sexual violence. These changes aim to facilitate the reintegration of women into their families following periods of conflict.

In Butembo, gender expert Lydie Kawalina addressed the negative impacts of social hypocrisy and the pressure of ‘provider masculinity’ on marriage. She noted that discrepancies between perceived and actual financial status, as well as unrealistic physical expectations, can lead to psychological violence and marital instability within the community.